McCarthy Fires Extra Over 'Harsh' Treatment of Child

Actress Melissa McCarthy kisses her Emmy award after winning outstanding lead actress in a comedy series for "Mike & Molly" backstage at the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles September 18, 2011.

Melissa McCarthy reportedly fired an extra from the set of her new film "Tammy" after witnessing the mistreatment of a child.

According to reports this week, the 42-year-old star took a stance against the behavior of a female extra who was manhandling her child on Tuesday.

McCarthy fired the woman who had brought her young child to the set after the extra "harshly jerked the child up in the air by the wrist," according to TMZ.

Witnesses said that the extra was a young mom in her 20s and had been struggling with her young child all morning, telling the four or five-year-old to "stop it" repeatedly.

Finally, McCarthy removed the woman after announcing that she would not tolerate abuse on her set, according to the celebrity entertainment website. The extra was among 200 other supplemental actors on the Wilmington, North Carolina set.

McCarthy has not commented on the incident, but insiders say that extras are paid a standard $58 a day.

The "Bridesmaid" actress is making her directorial debut with "Tammy" alongside her husband Ben Falcone.

The comedy follows a down-and-out woman who embarks on a road trip with her alcoholic grandmother, portrayed by Susan Sarandon, and her grandmother's lesbian friend, played by Kathy Bates.

"They both have their issues they're not acknowledging and they're leaving town without knowing where they're going," said McCarthy while speaking to Entertainment Weekly. "I love that there's something that happens in a car with people where all bets are off. You're off your rhythm, off your schedule, you're forced to be completely adaptable or die."

"Tammy" is scheduled to hit theaters on July 2, 2014.

McCarthy most recently appeared in "The Heat" alongside Sandra Bullock as well as "Identity Thief."

The Emmy Award-winning actress first rose to fame with her role on the television series "Gilmore Girls" before she joined sitcoms "Samantha Who?" and "Mike & Molly."

However, it was in 2011 that McCarthy landed her breakthrough role in "Bridesmaids," which earned her an Academy Award nomination.

The actress will also appear in the upcoming "The Hangover Part III," which hits theaters May 23.